Troubleshooting Microsoft Copilot Not Working

Microsoft Copilot is designed to integrate AI assistance across various Microsoft products, including Microsoft 365 applications, Windows, and Bing. When Copilot fails to function as expected, it can stem from several underlying causes. Identifying the specific context – where Copilot is not working (e.g., within Word, Excel, Teams, Windows, or Bing) – is the first step in troubleshooting.

Common Reasons for Microsoft Copilot Issues

Several factors can prevent Microsoft Copilot from working correctly. These often relate to licensing, software status, system configuration, or network connectivity.

• Incorrect or Missing License: Accessing Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 requires a specific add-on license in addition to a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription (like E3, E5, Business Standard, or Business Premium). Bing Chat Enterprise (now Copilot with commercial data protection) and Copilot in Windows might have different access requirements based on the base subscription.
• Outdated Software: Copilot features often rely on the latest versions of Windows and Microsoft 365 applications. Older versions might not support Copilot integration.
• System Requirements Not Met: Specific hardware and software requirements must be met for Copilot to function optimally, especially for features like Copilot in Windows. This can include OS version, RAM, or processor specifications.
• Network Connectivity Problems: A stable internet connection is essential for Copilot to communicate with Microsoft's cloud services. Firewall rules or proxy settings can also interfere.
• Account and Authentication Issues: Problems with user account login, subscription status verification, or multi-factor authentication can prevent Copilot access.
• Service Outages: Sometimes, the issue is not on the user's end but with Microsoft's Copilot services themselves.
• Specific Application Issues: Errors or conflicts within a particular Microsoft 365 application (like Word or Excel) can prevent Copilot from appearing or functioning correctly in that specific app.
• Configuration or Policy Restrictions: In enterprise or business environments, IT administrators might control access or configure settings that affect Copilot availability.

Solutions and Troubleshooting Steps

Addressing Microsoft Copilot not working involves systematic checks and actions based on the potential causes.

Verify Licensing and Subscription Status

• Confirm that the correct Microsoft Copilot license is assigned to the user account attempting to use the feature.
• Ensure the base Microsoft 365 subscription is eligible for the Copilot add-on (e.g., Microsoft 365 E3, E5, Business Standard, Business Premium).
• Check the subscription status is active and not expired or suspended.

Update Software and Operating System

• Windows: Ensure the operating system is updated to the latest version, as Copilot features often require recent Windows builds. Navigate to Settings > Windows Update.
• Microsoft 365 Apps: Open any Microsoft 365 application (like Word), go to File > Account (or Office Account), and check for update options under "Update Options." Select "Update Now." Ensure updates are not blocked by organizational policies.

Check System Requirements

• Review the official Microsoft documentation for the minimum system requirements for the specific Copilot feature (e.g., Copilot in Windows vs. Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps). Ensure the hardware meets these specifications.

Assess Network Connectivity

• Verify there is a stable and active internet connection.
• Check if firewall settings or proxy servers are blocking connections to Microsoft Copilot endpoints. This may require assistance from an IT administrator in corporate environments.

Address Account and Authentication Issues

• Sign out of the Microsoft 365 application or Windows and sign back in using the correct licensed account.
• Ensure multi-factor authentication prompts are completed correctly if required.
• Check account status in the Microsoft 365 admin center if applicable.

Restart Applications and Devices

• Close and reopen the specific Microsoft 365 application where Copilot is not working.
• Restart the computer. This can resolve temporary glitches affecting the application or system services.

Check Microsoft Service Health

• Visit the Microsoft Service Health dashboard (accessible via the Microsoft 365 admin center for administrators) or check public status pages for reported outages affecting Microsoft 365 or Copilot services.

Clear Cache (Application Specific)

• Microsoft Teams: Clearing the Teams cache can resolve issues specific to Copilot integration in Teams. Instructions vary slightly depending on the operating system.
• Browser (for Bing/Web Copilot): Clear browser cache and cookies or try using an incognito/private browsing window.

Review Application Settings

• Within Microsoft 365 applications, check if there are specific add-ins or settings that might be conflicting with Copilot. Ensure Copilot-related add-ins are enabled if necessary (though Copilot is often built-in).

Consult Organizational Policies

• If using Copilot in a business or enterprise setting, contact the IT department. They can verify if Copilot has been enabled organization-wide, if specific user groups are targeted, or if policies are blocking its functionality.

Reinstall Microsoft 365 Apps

• As a last resort for application-specific issues, uninstalling and reinstalling the Microsoft 365 suite can sometimes resolve persistent problems.

Contact Microsoft Support

• If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contacting Microsoft Support is recommended. They can provide more in-depth diagnostics and solutions, especially for complex licensing or service-side problems.

By methodically checking these potential causes and applying the corresponding solutions, issues preventing Microsoft Copilot from working can often be resolved.